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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Speaker cabinet part construction

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7/16/2000 4:14 PM
Rob B.	Speaker cabinet part construction What minimum selection of power tools do I need to construct baffle boards and back panels. If one were to only own a band saw or a table saw, which would one choose? Also, what is the best technique for cutting speaker holes in baffle boards. The old jig saw does not provide nice clean lines. Thanks in advance.

7/16/2000 8:15 PM

For the spaker holes, a router with a 'compass' rig should to you fine. You'll need a plunge-cut bit (not that I know what they're really called).

I haven't used a bandsaw, but the table saw has that, well, table, to keep your work flat and level. This is a good thing.

_Please_ heed the warnings on the tools about push sticks and eyewear - there are enough one-eyed, nine-fingered guitarists in the world.

7/16/2000 9:40 PM

As the other poster said, a router and circle jig does the nicest looking job, but if you are talking about a limited tool budget, I have used a jig saw with a thin scroll blade to cut speaker holes for a long time and had good success.( I use a router now) It might be a good idea to find some scrap wood and simply practice your technique. Even though it is usually covered with grille cloth, you could probably improve your cuts.

A table saw is going to serve you better for the needs of cabinet construction more than the band saw, in my opinion.

Casey4s

7/17/2000 12:22 AM
Don Symes	Any advice on blade selection for best results?

7/17/2000 12:38 AM

"Any advice on blade selection for best results?"

The idea is to use a blade that has a lot of teeth to get as smooth of a cut as possible, and narrow (shortest distance from the teeth to the back edge of the blade)This allows to cut in an arc more easily, and turn corners without binding. Like anything, practice is the key, you can cut these freehand with good results, after a little practice.

Casey4s

8/7/2000 11:21 PM

I don't know what they are called,
but there are blades for sabre saws
that have very sharp teeth that have
no set - the faces of the blade
are ground off smooth, giving a series
of razor sharp alternating teeth on each
side of the blade. Hard to describe, but
easy to identify if you can find them.

But, anyway, they cut plywood and other
materials so smoothly (no splintering
on plywood) you would not believe it.
Their primary purpose is for cutting
veneered plywood cleanly.

I've also used metal cutting blades
with reasonable success. If they are
new and really sharp, they will cut wood
like butta.

Regards,

SF

7/16/2000 10:08 PM
Stephen Conner	A jigsaw and a power drill. You can mount the speakers from the front so they hide the sloppy cutouts. Steve C.

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